By Loveth 
The Mets went into the offseason knowing they needed pitching. Instead of making a big splash, they chose to sign guys with potential rather than proven aces. So far, that gamble is looking shaky—Frankie Montas is already dealing with health issues. Meanwhile, another pitcher they could’ve gone after, Walker Buehler, is proving he was worth the risk.
Buehler’s Comeback Could Haunt the Mets
Buehler, coming off a rough 2024 season, was looking for a one-year “prove-it” deal. The Mets were interested, but they let him slip away to the Red Sox for $21.05 million. Now, Buehler looks like a new man in spring training. His fastball, which got crushed last year, has been dialed back in favor of his cutter—a move that’s paying off. His numbers this spring? Stellar. Low ERA, low WHIP, and command that looks like it’s back to his prime days.
Meanwhile, the Mets are left hoping Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill can step up, especially with Montas already looking like a questionable signing. A one-year deal for Buehler might have been a safer bet than rolling the dice on Montas.
The Mets’ Rotation: Built on Hope?
At the end of the day, the Mets decided to go the “depth over dominance” route when building their pitching staff. But with Buehler showing he still has elite stuff, the Mets might be kicking themselves for not pulling the trigger. Spring training isn’t everything, but right now, it looks like they bet on the wrong guy.